Monday, August 29, 2011

Embroidered Geography Love Pillow

Here's a sweet love story...

Boy meets girl (who lives in China and is secretly practicing Christianity under strict communist laws against it).

Boy likes girl (even though he lives and preaches in Texas and they can't see each other face to face).

Boy falls in love with girl (through emails and phone calls).

Boy proposes to girl (and spends many, many months trying to work through the Chinese government to bring her to the United States so they can begin a life together).

Boy marries girl (finally!) and they live happily ever after.

True story! We know "Boy" through our church and were so thrilled to finally meet his lovely bride a few weeks ago. Doesn't that story just make your heart swell?

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To honor their unique history, I made them this geography pillow as a wedding gift.

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That's China on the left.

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And Texas on the right. In real-life, Texas is no where close to being as big as China. Creative license.


It was a really fun little project! Want to make one for yourself or a gift (maybe with states or one state/country with a heart at the location of each city, connected by a dotted line)?


I love the idea of making one for long-distance grandparents, too!

1. Print a map of your location and cut it out.

2. In pencil, trace your design on your pillowcase or fabric (if you're sewing it together later). I used a zippered pillow cover that I had on hand.

3. Using two or three strands of embroidery floss, hand stitch over the penciled design. I used a simple back stitch (click here for a tutorial).

That's it! Isn't it sweet and personal?

erin

Linked to: Today's Creative Blog, Sugar Bee Crafts, A Bowl Full of Lemons, Not Just a Housewife, Tales of a Trophy Wife, Blue Cricket Design, Lil' Luna, Chef n Training, Southern Lovely, Carolyn's Homework, Somewhat Simple, Tatertots and Jello, Be Different Act Normal

38 comments:

  1. This is amazing, Erin. I think I'll make one for my boyfriend, who lives several states away <3

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  2. I love this! I am going to make one with afghanistan since currently my hubby is deployed! What a great idea! Thanks!

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  3. Adorable and everything's bigger in TX, so you HAD to use your creative license!

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  4. This is fun! I pinned it so I can remember to make one when I have time.

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  5. SO fun!! Just found your blog through not just a housewife-- pinned the pillow to make later!

    Come visit me- http://www.weeshare.net

    Thanks,
    Desi

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  6. Adorable! I have been wanting to make something Texas related for my husband. Also what a beautiful story.
    Stop by and share at the crafty link party going on right now at Lines Across My Face.
    :)Rachel
    http://linesacrossmyface.blogspot.com/2011/08/cure-for-common-monday-6-craft-link.html

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  7. LOVE this! I'm wishing my husband and I came from different states so that I could use this! Stupid Arizona. Oh well, I'll keep it in mind for presents!

    Brie from darlingdoodles.blogspot.com

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  8. Holy goodness, that is so cute! (And the pillow is too.) {: Really, I love it. I'm going to make one with Missouri and Utah, me being from the latter. So much fun.

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  9. I love a happy ending! Great idea! If you've got a minute, I'd love for you to share it at my party: http://trophyw.blogspot.com/2011/08/will-craft-foran-excuse-to-stay-inside.html

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  10. Very cute! I love the story you share with it too :-)

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  11. Im am in love with this pillow! What a neat idea!

    I would love it if you would share this and/or any other projects you have been up to at Tuesday Talent Show at Chef In Training! Plus there is a fun giveaway too! Thanks so much and I hope to see you there!
    -Nikki
    http://chef-n-training.blogspot.com

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  12. I LOVE this!!!! I live overseas and am from the States. This would be a perfect christmas present for my family to let them know I'm thinking of them. Thank you for a great project idea!

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  13. This is the second thing I have checked out from your blog today--you really have a great blog!

    Please share this as well. :)


    http://southernlovely.blogspot.com/2011/08/show-share-3.html

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  14. OMG That's the cutest thing I have ever seen!! what a GREAT IDEA!

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  15. What a wonderful project and amazing gift. I would be so happy if you shared this project on my Inspiration Board {link party}. I know my readers would really enjoy it.
    http://carolynshomework.blogspot.com/2011/08/inspiration-board-link-party-13.html
    Hope to see you there.
    carolyn | homework

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  16. This is so cute and such a great idea! I love the state silhouettes! Thanks for the inspiration!

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  17. Awww, such a sweet love story and a sweet wedding gift. Thanks for sharing both

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  18. wow, so sweet! and such a great gift. wouldn't work for me and my hubby, though. it would have to be texas - <3 - texas. not as cute of a story. ;)

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  19. What a cute idea!! This could be done for someone who adopted a child from another country as well. And such a cute story :) Visiting from homework

    Linda
    http://lasteve1.blogspot.com

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  20. Phenomenal job! Beautiful pillow for a beautiful love story.

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  21. Erin, that is adorable. The story behind it is so sweet. I think I am going to make one of these for my daughter who met her boyfriend away at school. A Maryland loves Pennsylvania pillow for Christmas. Thanks so much for sharing it and linking up so we could see it!
    Blessings,
    Kathleen @AlwaysSewLove

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  22. I bet they loved this fun gift! It is great for any long distance relationship whether family or friend or married couple!

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  23. Oh this is getting made for my friend who lives in NY but is in love with a guy in the Ukraine!

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  24. OH, and this would be amazing for adopted children!

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  25. this is adorable!! I could see so many things you could make this with! love it!!

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  26. I live in Texas and we adopted a daughter from China! I need someone to make one of these for me! Who can I pay to make me one?? I LOVE THIS!!!!!!!!!!!

    Wendy @ adoptionandfire.com

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  27. I love this! Great job! Thanks for sharing
    New follower,
    Kim
    www.thesasselife.com

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  28. Love it! Thanks for linking with us at Show & Share!

    Marie
    mylilpinkpocket.blogspot.com

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  29. love this! Thanks so much for linking up to Tuesday Talent Show! I would love to have you stop by and link up again today with more great projects!
    -Nikki
    http://chef-n-training.blogspot.com/

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  30. Congrats! This was the most viewed link last week. I'd be honored if you like to come and grab a button.

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  31. Beautiful story and a stunning love cushion!

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  32. Such a great story!! I love love love this pillow. Great job:)

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  33. Just pinned this. I think it is so cute! We've never lived long distance, but I'm thinking of things we could do with state shapes.

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  34. Hi Erin, I just wanted to tell you I made my daughter a pillow and blogged about it here. I mentioned you! :)

    http://alwayssewlove.blogspot.com/2011/09/christmas-gift-1-joc-dont-read.html

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